Serlio's five books on architecture 1550 - 1553

This black and white print, “Serlio’s five books on architecture,” was created by Sebastiano Serlio, an Italian architect, in the 16th century. Here, Serlio presents a vision of the ideal stage set. Imagine the spectacle of theatrical performances in the 1500s, and the architectural structures which framed the players. Serlio wrote: “...there must be built houses and edifices which appear great, but are, in fact, small.” This reveals a tension between appearance and reality. The architecture seems to promise stability, yet it is fabricated for ephemeral entertainment. This stage design offers insight into the social values of the Italian Renaissance, highlighting a culture of grandeur, artifice, and display. The structure facilitates a space where social hierarchies could be reinforced and questioned through the narratives played out on stage. Consider how the architecture, though fictional, echoes the patriarchal structures of the time, influencing and reflecting the realities of gender, class, and power.